The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: spencers mum on June 05, 2010, 03:18:02 pm
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During this recent heatwave I have upped the number of water stations for my girls and pop ice cubes into their water throughout the day. I've also rigged up an old sheet to offer additional shade. they are still very hot (holding wings away from their bodies and panting like our dog) does anyone have any more tips to keep the ladies cool? 8)Thank you!
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Not really very helpful but...... Many years ago my Dad was working in Zambia, a local farmer had a huge shed full of chickens and they were dying in the heat. It was 50 degrees outside, they opened the vents and doors and had the fans on full power but the chooks were dying in droves. Being a heat exchanger engineer, he knew to get sack cloth and bedsheets suspended in front of the fans and wet them. The evaporation of the water from the fabric actively cooled the air in the shed and saved thousands of birds' lives. It just reminded me that's all :) I don't suppose the technique is practical in this country.
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I don't think you can do much more that you have. Mine have plenty of cold, fresh water, a huge tree for shade and dust baths. I also bung them some cucumber or other watery food/fruit to help keep them hydrated.
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Good tips thankyou! I'll try the cucumber - we never manage to get to the end of one as it is! As I write it's raining now so looks like they'll live another day :)
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Been hitting Hi 90s here for last 2 weeks & mid 90s are normal & my hens get under some cedar trees & bury in to the earth with their mouths wide open & seem to do fine.